Songs for Praise – The Nativity, A Christmas Cantata

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Click here to view Lyrics & Sources as PDF
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This has not been sung, so instruments are used for voices. (MIDI String Ensemble_1 is SATB.)
These may be used as stand-alone anthems or responses.

CD:	Page	Cover	All in English.
		Index
1.	1.	Overture	Orchestra
2.	10.	Unto Bethlehem	Tenor,Bass, Flute, & Harp
3.	11.	Emmanuel	SATB, Orcestra
4.	20	Zechariah	2 Choirs, French Horn, Harp
5.	25	Mary & Gabriel	SATB, Flute, French Horn, Harp
6.	30	Joseph & the Angel	Tenor, Bass, SATB, Harp, Cello, Bass
7.	38.	Mary & Elizabeth	SATB, Flute, Harp, Violin
8.	42.	The Canticle of Mary	Soprano, Alto, Harp (The Magnificat)
9.	46	The Canticle of Zechariah	Baritone, Harp (The Benedictus)
10.	51.	The Census	SATB, FH, Cymbal, Timpani
11.	59.	Mary’s Little Donkey	Children, Piano, Timpani
12.	59	In The Stable	SATB, Harp, Bass
13.	65.	Glad Tidings!	SATB, Flute, Harp
14.	70.	Glory to God in the Highest!	SATB, Orchestra (The Angelic Hymn) (From Every Tribe & Tongue*)
15.	79.	The Shepherds	SATB, Flute, Harp, Bass
16.	88.	The Magi	SATB, French Horn, Harp, Bass
17.	94	There in Bethlehem	SATB, Orchestra
18.	109.	The Canticle of Simeon	Baritone, SATB, Orchestra (The Nunc Dimittis from ET & T)*
19.	114	Encore	SATB, Harp Bass
20.	116.	Postlude	Orchestra
		Lyrics, Recitative, & Sources
		Performance Notes
		Credits

The word “nativity” means birth, especially the place, conditions, or circumstances of being born. It commonly refers to the birth of Jesus, or a representation of it, such as a painting. I started with a timeline of the events surrounding Jesus’ birth and tried to tell the whole story in song. I did skip the lamentations, and the Soldiers reporting to the Priests. Once again I was struck with the way these events reinforce each other and, once again, my faith was reinforced. I hope yours will be to.

PS: This is a good basis for a study group.